THE EU has an obligation to support countries affected by drought, Agriculture Minister Fotis Fotiou said yesterday after meeting with his counterparts from eight EU Mediterranean countries.
They agreed to present to the European Commission a common proposal seeking action for drought-stricken countries.
Fotiou said that Agriculture Ministers examined the impact which drought has on various fields of agricultural production and stock farming, and added that upon Cyprus’ proposal they decided to prepare a paper calling on the European Commission to help so that the affected countries can be supported with various measures.
The Ministers, who met on Sunday in Nicosia for the meeting entitled, “EU Mediterranean Agriculture and New Challenges”, discussed issues concerning problems caused by drought, as well as the ongoing review of the Common Agriculture Policy in the fields of fruit and vegetables and the wine sector, Euro-Mediterranean relations and negotiations at the World Trade Organisation.
The Agriculture Ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia met to ascertain their common problems and concerns as regards the proposed amendments of the EU concerning Mediterranean products and to determine common positions for the future of EU agricultural policy.
The Ministers acknowledged that drought is a common concern that very often seriously affects their respective farming sectors. They said they would welcome further initiatives by the European Commission towards alleviating the problem.
Referring to Cyprus, Fotiou pointed out that, “drought is a serious and major problem” and added that he will announce measures which aim to ease the problem this week.
After four successive years of sparse rainfall, water levels on the island are dangerously low, with the Minister saying better use of desalination facilities will form a cornerstone of policy in the coming years.
Managing existing supplies is a priority until a new plant can be constructed.
Fotiou added that the Ministers decided to meet regularly to discuss problems of mutual concern and to strengthen their co-operation with a view to face common problems.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Portugal in a few months.
